From the desk of Franco E. Santos:
2026 has been quite a year so far. This year Chomp the Chimp woke from his 24-year restful sleep on my bookshelf and entered mass circulation. As I stare at and hold the very first Chomp the Chimp book with its plastic comb-binding, I cannot help but reminisce about the journey that has occurred since that first copy was printed.
On the cover sits a simple dedication:
“To Kevin, From Daddy. 8/19/2002.”
Next week, Chomp officially turns 24 years old.
When I first wrote Chomp’s story nearly a quarter of a century ago, I wasn’t thinking about starting a book series, nor was I trying to align with the latest trends in early childhood education. “Social-Emotional Learning” (SEL) wasn’t even a buzzword back then. Drawing on my background in child psychology and mental health, I simply wanted to create a bedtime story for my son using rhythm, rhyme, and gentle jungle characters to help him navigate big feelings, build resilience, and process a fast-moving world.
Fast forward 24 years, and that single homemade manuscript has grown into an expanding series published through Santos Press. While the books look far more polished today, the heart behind Chomp remains completely intact. This project has never been driven by commercial trends or financial gain, it remains a personal gift shared with families everywhere.
Seeing how warmly educators, librarians, and mental health professionals have embraced Chomp has been humbling. It is a testament to the idea that stories rooted in genuine heart and developmental empathy stand the test of time.
What the Critics & Professionals are Saying:
“Original, entertaining, and thoroughly ‘kid friendly’… unreservedly recommended addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library Emotions/Feelings themed collections.” Children’s Bookwatch, Midwest Book Review
“A positive, uplifting story with engaging rhyme and rhythm.” Panel of Department of Defense Base Librarians
“A sweet, beautifully written story that shows how uncertainty can blossom into curiosity… With a message of resilience, this is a wonderful book for helping children embrace change with confidence.” Lital Diament, MA, LMFT (Mental Health Clinician)
As we prepare for upcoming releases including Chomp the Chimp Meets Someone New on August 25, 2026, followed by Chomp the Chimp and the Slow Day, there is something wonderfully fitting about celebrating Chomp’s 24th birthday right now. A series centered on patience, emotional growth, and taking time to notice the world took nearly a quarter of a century to fully bloom. But like fine wine, good things just take time.
Chomp’s adventures continue…